The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today offered condolences following the mudslides in the county of Zhouqu in China’s northwestern province of Gansu.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to those who have been affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Cannon. “We send our condolences to the grieving families—our thoughts are with you.

“Canada stands ready to provide support to the people of China during this time of need. Canadian officials in Beijing are contacting Chinese authorities to determine whether Canadian assistance may be requested.

“Officials in Ottawa and Beijing are prepared to give consular assistance to Canadian citizens if required. To date, we have no reports of any Canadian citizens being affected.”

Canadian citizens in the region requiring emergency consular assistance should call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885, or send an email to sos,,,international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (Canada and the United States toll-free) or 613-943-1055. They may also email sos,,,international.gc.ca.